The Life was originally produced at the off-Broadway “Wesbeth Theatre” in July of 1990. The production was later directed on Broadway by Michael Blakemore at the “Ethel Barrymore Theatre” on April 26, 1997. The production closed on June 7, 1998 after four hundred and sixty-six performances and twenty-one previews.
The Life probes the depths of 42st Street Time Square, outlawed by flesh-peddlers and prostitutes, junkies and dealers, and runways in the epoch prior to its Disneyfication.
Among the award winning cast were Chuck Cooper, Sam Harris, Pamela Isaacs, Lillias White and Bellamy Young (Mellie from ABC’s Scandal). White and Cooper both won Tony Awards for their performances.
On May 17, 2015, the Broadway supper club “54 Below” located at 254 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019, will be presenting the opportunity to be transported back to a pre-Disney Time Square. When “The Life” returns to the streets of New York featuring members of the original cast such as Bellamy Young with appearances by Felicia Finely and Katy Grenfell. Also featuring Marcus Paul James, Telly Leung, Ciara Renee, and Raena White
In 1997, the beloved Broadway musical The Life transported us back to a pre-Disney Times Square—a much grittier time in NYC where hookers, hustlers, and even young dreamers battled it out in a game of survivor. For one night only, The Life returns to the “Great White Way” featuring members of the Tony-nominated original cast. Hear the fantastic Cy Coleman- Ira Gasman score, including the songs “The Oldest Profession”, “My Body”, “People Magazine”, “My Friend”, and more. Be sure to “check it out!” Musical directed by Jesse Vargas.
Just for old times sake, watch the Tony Award winning performance from Lillias White for her role in The Life; As well as, Bellamy Young from Scandal fame below.
